Men’s Health

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy

What are pellets?

Pellets are made up of either estradiol or testosterone. The hormones are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a ‘tic tac’. In the United States, the majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and delivered in sterile glass vials.

Why pellets?

Pellets deliver consistent, healthy levels of hormones for 3-5 months in women and 4-6 months in men. They avoid the fluctuations, or ups and downs, of hormone levels seen with every other method of delivery. Estrogen delivered by subcutaneous pellets, maintains the normal ratio of estradiol to estrone. This is important for optimal health and disease prevention. Pellets do not increase the risk of blood clots like conventional or synthetic hormone replacement therapy.

In studies, when compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have been shown to be superior for relief of menopausal and andropausal symptoms (male hormone decline or “male menopause”), maintenance of bone density, restoration of sleep patterns, and improvement in sex drive, libido, sexual response and performance.

Testosterone delivered by a pellet implant, has been used to treat migraine and menstrual headaches. It also helps with vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency. In both men and women, testosterone has been shown to increase energy, relieve depression, increase sense of well being, relieve anxiety and improve memory and concentration. Testosterone, delivered by pellet implant, increases lean body mass (muscle strength, bone density) and decreases fat mass. Men and women need adequate levels of testosterone for optimal mental and physical health and for the prevention of chronic illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and heart attacks, which are associated with low testosterone levels.

Even patients who have failed other types of hormone therapy have a very high success rate with pellets. There is no other ‘method of hormone delivery’ that is as convenient for the patient as the implants.

How and where are pellets inserted?

The insertion of pellets is a simple, relatively painless procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the upper buttocks through a small incision, which is then taped, closed. The experience of the health care professional matters a great deal, not only in placing the pellets, but also in determining the correct dosage of hormones to be used.

Why haven’t I heard about pellets?

You may wonder why you haven’t heard of pellets. Pellets are not patented and have not been marketed in the United States. They are frequently used in Europe and Australia where pharmaceutical companies produce pellets. Most of the research on pellets is out of Europe and Australia. Pellets were frequently used in the United States from about 1940 through the late 70’s prior to when oral patented estrogens began being marketed to the public.

Why should men consider hormone therapy?

Testosterone levels begin to decline in men beginning in their early 30’s at a rate of 1-3% per year and is routinely referred to as “andropause”. Most men maintain adequate levels of testosterone into their mid 40’s to mid 50’s, some into their late 70’s to early 80’s. Men should be tested when they begin to show signs of testosterone deficiency as mentioned. Even men in their 30’s can be testosterone deficient and show signs of bone loss, fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, difficulty sleeping and mental decline. Most men need to be tested around 50 years of age. It is never too late to benefit from hormone therapy.

Although each man’s experience varies, most men report these benefits following the procedure and post-treatment protocol:

• Increases firmness of erection
• Increases blood flow and circulation
• Improved sexual capabilities
• Increase sexual stamina
• Increases sensation and pleasure
• Enhanced appearance
• Improves or resolves prostate discomfort
• Improves or resolves urinary incontinence

Botox for Men

Men who might have scoffed at the idea of cosmetic procedures just a decade ago are now finding the treatments appealing—in record numbers. The journal Cosmetic Dermatology reports that the number of American men getting BOTOX has soared 258 percent over the past decade. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, total cosmetic procedures for men rose 22% from 2000 through 2012. So what gives? Why are men joining women in wanting to preserve that youthful glow? Many men have discovered that whether they’re job-hunting, entering the dating scene, or just trying to stay competitive in a world that places increasing emphasis on youthful vitality, they may need a little help to look younger. And those aren’t the only reasons.

What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin injections (sold under the brand name BOTOX) relax the facial muscles to minimize lines and wrinkles, erasing some of the signs of aging, including frown lines and crow’s feet. It usually takes two to four days to see cosmetic improvement and the effects tend to last from 3-4 months.
Most patients require re-treatment to remove wrinkles and lines as they begin to reappear, but after each injection the wrinkles usually return as less severe as the muscles are trained to relax.

Sending the wrong message?

Men aren’t just getting BOTOX because they want to look younger. Many men want to smooth away lines that may be sending the wrong message about their moods and feelings. The two vertical lines that can appear between the eyebrows are often referred to as “angry lines”. The consequences of being seen as angry even when you’re not can be problematic not only in your personal relationships, but also in the workplace. On the other hand, crow’s feet can make you seem like you’re squinting—which can be perceived as having poor eyesight or being mistrustful.

Is Botox worth it?

Cosmetic treatments generally aren’t covered by health insurance plans. BOTOX is typically sold either by the unit or per “treatment area”, do not require anesthesia and usually take just a few minutes to perform. The protein is injected into the muscle using a fine needle in order to minimize discomfort and maximize accuracy.

If it helps a man keep (or land) a well-paying job with benefits, he might consider BOTOX a worthy investment. But proceed with caution: The increasing popularity of BOTOX has created a marketplace full of businesses offering treatments that are not administered by, or overseen by medical professionals.

PRP and Hair Growth

In my practice, the most promising use of PRP is to treat alopecia. The platelets secrete growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, both of which have positive effects on hair growth. Platelet-derived growth factor is one of numerous growth factors or proteins that regulate cell growth and division. In particular, it has a significant role in the formation of blood vessels (angiogenesis) and the growth of blood vessels from already existing blood vessel tissue. Vascular endothelial growth factor is a chemical signal produced by cells that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels. It is part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate.

Before injecting PRP to treat hair loss, a tiny scalp roller with spikes is used to stimulate the thinning areas. The rationale is that this sends a message to the hair follicles to start the healing process. Then, PRP is injected over the affected area to further stimulate stem cells in the follicle.

Technique Is Key

As with all therapies, adequate training and experience are paramount. The beauty of the PRP technique, especially in dermatology and as an adjunctive tool in practice, is that it can be used as part of a multifaceted or layered approach. Significant clinical outcomes can be obtained with concomitant use of light therapies, fillers, and mesother-apy, as well as patient-directed home skin care regimens

HCG Diet

So what exactly can the HCG Shots do for you?

The HCG shots will enable you to go on a calorie deficit without having the feeling of starvation. Often, when a person is under a caloric deficit – especially in large numbers such as 600 and above, the person will tend to feel weak and always hungry which often results into binge eating.

With these you can eat less and be on a caloric deficit without having to worry about starving. The HCG diet helps in metabolizing the unwanted fat in your body. In other words, it burns fat and enables you to maintain the muscle in your body. The HCG shots are enough to make you survive a 500 calorie diet without having to break down.

The common misconception with the HCG diet is that it is strictly for women. That is simply not the case because even men can greatly benefit from this diet. Don’t be deceived by the origins of the HCG – it is for anyone who needs and wants to lose weight.

Lipo-B Injections

Lipo-B injection ensures your body receives all necessary nutrients to keep you at your energetic best.Many of these nutrients are not absorbable by mouth and need to be taken by injection. Injections are safe, effective and an easy way to keep your body well-balanced. Vitamin B12 Lipotropic injections help increase your energy as well as contribute to the success of your weight loss plan. Schedule an appointment today!